Angry residents have slammed a council’s decision to remove England flags put up on a Stockton estate .

Around 30 flags were put up around Tilery by dad-of-three Lee Willans as a tribute to “lost loved ones.”

But Stockton Council has insisted the flags, tied to lampposts on Benefits Street’s Kingston Road , were removed as it was an offence to tie items to street furniture.

But they have said they are willing to explore a “more workable” solution to the problem.

Former Green Howard Lee, 31, said he was “outraged” by the council’s actions.

Lee Willans with Julie Young and (front) Ryan McCarthy and Slogga Wilson and their flags

He said: “The community felt like there wasn’t a lot out there to represent our country so I thought it would be good to put some flags up.

“We have lost a few family members and friends in the estate recently so we had names put on the flags in memory of them.

“We are obviously extremely angry to see that the council has come and taken them away. Why shouldn’t we be allowed to have our country’s flag on show.”

It’s not the first time Lee has flown England flags in the estate.

He said: “We started putting the flags up about three months ago. This is the second lot of flags the council have taken down now.

“I served my country for seven years and I am passionate about showing that continued support.

“We weren’t offending anyone and there hadn’t been any complaints, so why should we have to remove them?

“I am willing to come to an arrangement with the council so that we can resolve the problem quickly, as we will continue to fly our flags with pride.”

Lee Willans pictured with his flag

The former soldier has received backing to keep the flags flying from a many residents through social media.

A spokesperson for Stockton Council said: “This Council proudly flies the Union Flag and the flag of St George from very prominent locations to mark various occasions throughout the year.

“We aren’t sure why this resident has tied flags to lampposts in the street but it is an offence, and one we cannot ignore otherwise we will set a precedent giving people the green light to tie all manner of flags, signage and advertising to lampposts, traffic lights and other street furniture.

“Not only could this cause a dangerous distraction to road users but where would we draw the line?

“We recognise peoples desires to express pride in their country and would be happy to explore a more workable and lawful solution with this resident.”